Chaira Raimondo presents herself as a high school senior, or perhaps a young college student, but in actuality she is just preparing to graduate from eighth grade.
The Washington Middle School student is very involved in her school, as well as in the community. She also enjoys traveling and discussing politics.
"I've been following the Republican primaries," Chaira said.
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Chaira Raimondo
She has also traveled to several different countries, including Kenya and Canada.
Since fourth grade, Chaira has been a member of student council, and currently is her homeroom's student council representative. She has also been a girl scout since she was in third grade, is in National Junior Honor Society, volunteers with the elderly and is chorus.
"I joined chorus for extra credit, but I ended up liking it. My friends are in it, and I like the teacher," Chaira said.
Chaira is very close to her parents and grandparents, and also has an older brother who is starting law school who she said she looks up to.
"I've seen him already achieve the things that I'm achieving now. It's like getting a sneak peek at my life. He handles most situations very well," Chaira said about her brother.
She also looks up to her parents, and enjoys "outdoorsy" activities with her father.
"My mom is trying to teach me to cook and bake, but it's not going very well," Chaira said.
In school, Chaira said that she does not have a favorite subject.
"I'm best in English, but the one that intrigues me the most is science," Chaira said.
Later in life, Chaira aims to attend an Ivy League school to become a pediatric oncologist.
"I realized a few years ago that I want to help people. I like science and kids, and cancer has affected my family. I want to bring all of those factors together," Chaira said.
Daiman Parinella, seventh-grade history teacher, describes Chaira as being very mature and said that holding a conversation with her is like holding a conversation with another adult.
"She is going to do well with whatever she does, there is no doubt about it," Parinella said.
Chiara already has several of her extracurricular activities for when she moves to Jamestown High School next year.
"I want to join the Raider Readers, Academic Team and Spanish Club," Chaira said.
Chances are, though, that she will join these clubs and more and probably start a few of her own.
To nominate a student for Standing Out In The Crowd, please contact Liz Skoczylas at 487-1111, ext. 249, or email lskoczylas@post-journal.com.